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The semi-finals ended in dramatic fashion as they were both left undecided until the 11th hour. Favorites Germany and Spain had it tough against underdogs Portugal and Italy. Prior to the semi-finals, Manager Roberto Mancini predicted that it'd be Portugal and Italy to progress to the finals. He nearly had his prediction spot-on. Read further to find out how close he had it.
1. Portugal 0-0 Spain (2-4 on Penalties)
A couple of days earlier, we saw England and Italy engage in the first ever penalty shootout of the competition after a nerve-wrecking, exhaustive two hours. That feat was about to be repeated when Portugal faced Spain in the first semi-final match. Both sides urged to find a goal under normal and extra times, but couldn't get one.
When it was time for the penalty shootout, both missed their first penalties. Both clinched their second and third. It was a 2-2 situation. When the fourth came in, Ramos sank in a goal from the spot but Portugal's Bruno Alves didn't. It was an unlucky shot that bounced off the post. When Spain's Fabregas came in for their last try on the spot, he successfully converted his penalty, bring Spain the 4-2 win. Ronaldo was supposed to be the fifth one to be on the spot for Portugal, but his services were no longer needed.
With that, Spain progresses to the finals by a hair's width margin.
Fabregas shoots in the winning penalty kick for Spain as they progress to the finals.
Image retrieved from the London Evening Standard.
2. Germany 1-2 Italy
Germany has impressed so far with its Euro 2012 run, reaching the semi-finals unbeaten from the qualifying rounds to the group stage until the quarter-finals. Then they face underdogs Italy, who almost got knocked out of the tournament with a nervous penalty shootout against England. Italy never knew they'd have another very similar test.
Germany's play in the start-up was as solid as ever, until Balotelli pierces through the defense and sank two goals in a span of sixteen minutes. It was then all Germany who rallied to find two goals of their own. Many thought it was over for Loew's men until Mesut Ozil converts a penalty kick in the early minutes of injury time. There was still time. Neuer was the lone defender in the German half of the field with all of his teammates overloading in the attack trying to clinch a crucial equalizer in the final two or three minutes of the match. Sadly, they never found it.
Germany's play in the start-up was as solid as ever, until Balotelli pierces through the defense and sank two goals in a span of sixteen minutes. It was then all Germany who rallied to find two goals of their own. Many thought it was over for Loew's men until Mesut Ozil converts a penalty kick in the early minutes of injury time. There was still time. Neuer was the lone defender in the German half of the field with all of his teammates overloading in the attack trying to clinch a crucial equalizer in the final two or three minutes of the match. Sadly, they never found it.
So, after all that drama, it has finally come to this: the Euro 2012 final. It will be Italy against current world and European champions Spain. Italy has a steep mountain ahead of it. Will they be able to pull off another upset? Or will the Spanish earn their third title in a row?
Here's the finals match schedule, courtesy of Soccerway.com. (Images of national team logos retrieved from same.)
This is surely going to be an interesting match. Be sure to check here for the review of the Euro 2012 final. Until next time!
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